Alabama is far from the only SEC team with an ongoing quarterback competition, however. How will the others shake out? Here's one reporter's opinion:

KENTUCKY

Who's in contention: Mark Stoops has pinpointed quarterback as an area in which the Wildcats need improvement and there's no shortage of candidates for the job. Maxwell Smith threw for 1,276 yards and nine touchdowns while splitting time with the now-transferred Jalen Whitlow, but Patrick Towles, a 6-5, 238-pound sophomore, left spring with a slight lead. Redshirt freshman Reese Phillips and top 2014 recruit Drew Barker are competing for the job as well.

Who will start against Tennessee-Martin on Aug. 30? Expect Towles to continue his strong work from the spring and nail down the job.

LSU

Who's in contention: Anthony Jennings, who led LSU to wins over Arkansas and Iowa in relief of Zach Mettenberger last season, was the heir apparent to the job now that Mettenberger is with the Tennessee Titans. But a funny thing happened on the way to fall practice. Talented freshman Brandon Harris played his way into contention during spring drills and, according to some reports, outplayed his more experienced teammate. When Les Miles took time at Media Days to list freshmen he expects to play key roles this fall, Harris was among them.

Who will start against Wisconsin on Aug. 30? Unless Jennings makes up lost ground in a hurry this fall, look for Harris to claim the job.

TENNESSEE

Who's in contention: It's a three-man race between senior Justin Worley and sophomores Josh Dobbs and Nathan Peterman. All three played last season, with Worley starting seven games before thumb surgery sidelined him the rest of the season (1,239 yards, 10 TDs), Peterman starting one before he too was injuryed, and Dobbs starting the final four games (695 yards, 2 TDs). While Worley was the opening-day starter last season, competition between the three was wide-open this spring.

Who will start against Utah State on Aug. 31? Look for Worley to emerge and reclaim his starting job.

TEXAS A&M

Who's in contention: With the transfer of Johnny Manziel's backup, Matt Joeckel, it's a two-man race to succeed Manziel in Kevin Sumlin's up-tempo offense. Sophomore Kenny Hill saw action in four games last season and fits the dual-threat role that Manziel played so well the last two years in College Station. But Hill missed the last couple weeks of spring after an arrest for public intoxication, opening the door for highly touted true freshman Kyle Allen. The 6-3, 205-pound Allen is a pocket-style quarterback and the better passer of the two, and Sumlin showed in Houston with Case Keenum that he can win with that style of play as well.

Who will start against South Carolina on Aug. 28? Allen's superior arm should give him the advantage here, and Sumlin certainly isn't bashful about turning to an unproven or inexperienced quarterback.

Who will start against Temple on Aug. 28? This race may be the toughest to call with a new head coach and new additions in Rivers and freshman Wade Freebeck, but a defensive-minded coach like Mason will often lean toward the experienced hand. That's Robinette.